Among the topics Dolphins coach Tony Sparano addressed Tuesday were two positions in flux -- safety and guard.

The Dolphins know they need a starting free safety to replace ousted Gibril Wilson and Sparano insisted Tuesday, ``We'll find the right player for us. I mean, we just will.'' Of failed attempts to sign Antrel Rolle or Ryan Clark, Sparano said, ``We tried.''

New Orleans' Darren Sharper is by far the best unrestricted free agent left, but Miami is not among four teams pursuing him. The Dolphins studied Sharper and haven't necessarily ruled him out but have been focusing on safeties in the upcoming NFL Draft.

They have arranged private visits at team headquarters for Texas' Earl Thomas (an option for Miami with the No. 12 pick) and Georgia's Reshad Jones (a second- or third-round option).

Last week, they went to Atlanta for a private workout with Georgia Tech's Morgan Burnett, a potential second-rounder with 14 interceptions in three years. If the Dolphins cannot find another starting caliber safety, then Chris Clemons and Tyrone Culver will compete to start alongside Yeremiah Bell.

I don't think the problem with Sharper is ability, as he led the league in Ints. I think it is the reluctance of ParSparLand to give a player that age a multi-year deal. Since they have actively pursued FAs at two high-$ positions (meaning the players get a hefty contract), hit on one and missed on the other, I think they take a S within the first two picks. I hope it's Thomas at #12.

The draft has nice depth and quality in regards to safaties. Eric Berry will not be there for Miami unless they trade up, but you have Nate Allen of USF, Morgan Burnett of Georgia Tech, Taylor Mays of SC, Major Wright of Florida, Myron Lewis of Vanderbilt and Robert Johnson of Utah.

These are all quality FS that can be drafted at various points in the draft. Berry and Mays in the 1st round, Allen and Burnett in the 2nd round, Wright in the 2nd-3rd round, Lewis in the 4th-5th round and Johnson in the 5th-6th, and Johnson has 13 career interception and he is a 6th round projection.

Safety is a position where a rookie can have an immediate impact so I would say that taking one is a strong possibility. BTW, Sharper might have had 7 picks which attests to his ball skills but that defense wasn't exactly lighting up the world against the pass. They were ranked 26th against the pass. 10th out of 12 teams in the post-season.